The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised alarms over what they describe as an alleged plan by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare ahead of the December 7 general elections. Deputy Secretary Mustapha Gbande accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of acting irresponsibly to manipulate the upcoming elections for personal gain.
Reports surfaced that IGP Dampare had been asked to proceed on forced leave and hand over his duties to his deputy, Christian Tetteh Yohuno. This development is allegedly linked to the 2023 leaked tape scandal involving senior police officers. In an interview on Channel One TV, Gbande stated, “We can assure President Akufo-Addo that any attempt to rig the 2024 election will be resisted by the strength and might of the National Democratic Congress without any regret. There is nothing that will prevail over the will of the people. So, if this whole hullabaloo of trying to remove the IGP is about the election, President Akufo-Addo should review his mind and go home as a former president. At least in the minds of Ghanaians, he has made some appointments in the interest of Ghanaians.”
Contrary to these claims, the Ghana Police Service has denied reports of the IGP’s forced leave, affirming Dr. Dampare’s ongoing leadership. The ad-hoc committee investigating the leaked tape scandal found no evidence to support the accusations against Dr. Dampare. The committee’s report highlighted the severe implications of the actions of COP Mensah, Supt Asare, and Supt Gyebi, stressing the potential harm to Ghana’s democratic integrity.
The NDC’s warning underscores the heightened political tension as the nation approaches the crucial December elections.